Man Sets Himself on Fire Near CIO Office Where Former South Korean President Yoon Was Questioned
World
On January 15, 2025, a man attempted self-immolation near the office of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in the Republic of Korea. The incident occurred while impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol was being questioned over his declaration of a short-lived martial law. The man is currently in the hospital in serious condition.
According to police, the man's identity has not yet been confirmed. The incident happened around 8:05 p.m. in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, near the CIO building. Police and firefighters are conducting an investigation at the scene.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained at his residence and brought to the CIO office for questioning earlier that morning. He faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power for his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. During the interrogation, Yoon refused to answer any questions, according to the CIO.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, stated that the former president declined further questioning due to health issues:
"President Yoon has fully explained his position, and there is no need for additional questioning."
Following over 10 hours of interrogation at the CIO office, Yoon was transferred to a detention center in Seoul. His lawyers have also filed a request to review the legality of his arrest.
After Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, his decision to declare martial law in late 2024 triggered a significant political crisis in the country. In his handwritten letters, the former president asserted that his actions did not constitute a crime.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Corruption Investigation Office has stated its intent to thoroughly examine Yoon’s actions. Meanwhile, Yoon’s lawyers continue to advocate for the protection of his legal rights.
The self-immolation incident near the CIO office is suspected to be linked either to Yoon’s supporters or to individuals seeking to express political protest. Police are conducting a separate investigation into the matter.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained at his residence and brought to the CIO office for questioning earlier that morning. He faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power for his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. During the interrogation, Yoon refused to answer any questions, according to the CIO.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, stated that the former president declined further questioning due to health issues:
"President Yoon has fully explained his position, and there is no need for additional questioning."
Following over 10 hours of interrogation at the CIO office, Yoon was transferred to a detention center in Seoul. His lawyers have also filed a request to review the legality of his arrest.
After Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, his decision to declare martial law in late 2024 triggered a significant political crisis in the country. In his handwritten letters, the former president asserted that his actions did not constitute a crime.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Corruption Investigation Office has stated its intent to thoroughly examine Yoon’s actions. Meanwhile, Yoon’s lawyers continue to advocate for the protection of his legal rights.
The self-immolation incident near the CIO office is suspected to be linked either to Yoon’s supporters or to individuals seeking to express political protest. Police are conducting a separate investigation into the matter.
Powered by Froala Editor